4. Less conspicuous. Unlike a lightstand (which I use when I need more height), the iKross doesn’t attract attention. At the same time, because it is technically a tripod, I have been able to bring it to places where selfie-sticks are banned such as Disneyland.

5. No electronics. That initially sounds like a disadvantage, but with the Theta and most 360-degree cameras, they don’t use bluetooth, or if they do, they use it with a phone. So I don’t need a bluetooth trigger in a selfie stick. Not having electronics allows me to use it without worrying about getting it wet.

DISADVANTAGES

The iKross is not perfect. It is very light, so it’s not stable with heavier cameras. It won’t withstand a strong breeze. Although the angle of the tripod attachment can be tilted, the angle of the legs cannot be changed, so it won’t work for angled surfaces (it will fall over) except perhaps if it’s fully collapsed.

The other thing I don’t like is that the tripod mount has a ring for tightening the camera attachment, but the ring can be loosened and it can fall off. One time it fell off the sidewalk and I didn’t notice until a long time afterward. I went back to look for it. That’s how I realized how much I have come to depend on the iKross.